Sidmouth Town head into Saturday’s Walter C Parsons Funeral Directors Cup at home to Axminster Town with a new management team in the dugout.
Town, who earlier this week learnt of the imminent departure of manager Richard Pears to Western League Premier Division outfit Buckland Athletic, moved quickly to appoint Kevin Tooze, who had been one of two assistants to Pears and Danny Burwood, as joint managers of the club.
Town chairman Andy Argyle released a statement on Wednesday evening which read: “Sidmouth Town AFC is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Tooze and Danny Burwood as the new management team responsible for first team affairs.
“The appointments are made with immediate effect in time for the Walter C Parsons Cup match at Manstone Lane on Saturday (October 20) against Axminster Town.
“The club are very pleased that Kevin and Danny have agreed to take over at the helm and are assured of complete support in continuing to build on the start made this season.
“We hope our loyal Vikings supporters will turn out in force again this weekend, get behind the team and cheer us through to the third round draw.”
The cup tie with Axminster Town will see a first return to Manstone Lane for Josh Stunell, who managed the Vikings over a number of years prior to his departure at the end of last season. Stunell’s departure led to the appointment for Pears, who had previously been in charge at Barnstaple Town, Exmouth Town, Axminster Town and Cullompton Rangers.
Speaking to the Herald ahead of the cup tie, Kevin Tooze says: “Richard’s departure is a blow, but Sidmouth Town Football Club is the bigger picture and Danny and I will be looking to keep things going - onwards and upwards!
“The bottom line is we have football matches to play, enjoy and win and whoever is in charge of things, that will always be the way it has to be.”
He continued: “The Axminster cup tie looks likely to be a cracking local derby affair and, while we have a couple out, we will be at good strength and certainly looking to make progress in the competition.”
As for the future and the new management duo, Tooze says: “Life goes on. Danny [Burwood] and I will bounce off each other and hopefully supporters will be pleased with what they get.”
Kick-off on Saturday at Manstone Lane is 2.30pm
Town go into the cup tie off the back of last Saturday’s 5-0 FA Vase defeat at Cadbury Heath. The score line was harsh on the Vikings, but, on the day, it was the clinical finishing of the Western League Premier Division outfit that proved to be the difference.
Axminster Town, beaten 6-1 last Saturday at home by Bovey Tracey, were 4-1 Tuesday night winners over Crediton United.
The Vikings are also in midweek action next week with a Wednesday night home game against Honiton Town.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here